'Lost Job, Leave US Immediately': Trump Plans To End H-1B Visa 60-Day Grace Period Rule

News world 'Lost Job, Leave US Immediately': Trump Plans To End H-1B Visa 60-Day Grace Period Rule

'Lost Job, Leave US Immediately': Trump Plans To End H-1B Visa 60-Day Grace Period Rule

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Last Updated: September 10, 2026, 22:40 IST

Those with H-1B and certain other temporary work visas would have to leave US as soon as their employment ends, as per a new rule by Trump administration.

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US President Donald Trump (Photo: AFP File)

In another blow to immigrants, US President Donald Trump’s administration proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period that allows certain foreign workers, including H-1B visa holders, to remain in the United States and look for a new sponsor after losing their jobs.

The move could affect major American technology companies that rely heavily on foreign workers, including Indians and Chinese.

The proposal is the latest move by Trump’s administration to restrict legal migration since he returned to office in January 2025. His administration has also introduced higher visa fees for skilled workers and recently paused immigrant visa appointments at US missions around the world while implementing a new training programme.

What Does The New Rule Say?

Under the proposed rule outlined in a US government notice, H-1B and certain other temporary work visa holders would have to leave the US as soon as their employment ends.

The proposed change was published in the Federal Register by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is subject to a two-month public comment period before it can be implemented.

In its proposal, DHS acknowledged that companies affected by the change could face some disruption but said the jobs could instead go to American workers.

In some cases, foreign workers who leave the US could potentially reapply if their employer files a new petition for them.

“DHS presumes that they will either offer the same jobs to equally qualified U.S. workers or go through the I-129 petition process depending on their workforce requirement," the notice said.

What Is 60-Day Grace Period?

The 60-day grace period, introduced in 2017, gives foreign workers time to find another job in the US or make arrangements to leave the country. This can include selling a home or withdrawing children from school before returning home.

H-1B visas, established by Congress in 1990, are particularly important for US technology companies seeking skilled workers from countries such as India and China. The programme allows companies to fill positions where they may struggle to find qualified US workers.

Who Will Be Impacted?

Consultancy firms such as Deloitte, PwC and Ernst & Young, as well as outsourcing giants including Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, HCLTech and LTIMindtree, are among the major H-1B sponsors.

If implemented, the proposed change would also apply to several other temporary work visa categories, including:

* E-1 visas for international traders

* E-2 visas for commercial vehicle operators

* L-1 visas for executives and managers working for international companies

* O-1 visas for people with “extraordinary ability" in fields such as science, sports or the arts

* TN visas for professional workers

* H-1B1 visas for skilled workers from Singapore and Chile

* E-3 visas for specialty workers from Australia

The United States Department of Labour has recently suspended India-founded and US-listed tech giant Cognizant’s ability to apply for new green card sponsorship, stressing that “threats to American workers" will not be tolerated.

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Quick Answers Powered by Ask News18 What is the Trump administration's proposed change to the H-1B visa grace period? The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period that allows H-1B visa holders and certain other foreign workers to remain in the United States and search for a new sponsor after losing their jobs. Under the proposed rule, these temporary work visa holders would generally have to leave the country as soon as their employment ends. When was the 60-day grace period for foreign workers first introduced in the US? The 60-day grace period was introduced in 2017. It was designed to give eligible foreign workers and their dependents temporary time to find another job, change their visa status, or make arrangements to leave the United States after losing employment. Which visa categories besides H-1B would be affected by the proposed elimination of the grace period? If implemented, the proposed change would also apply to several other temporary work visa categories, including E-1, E-2, L-1, O-1, TN, H-1B1, and E-3 visas. Powered by Ask News18

About the Author Saurabh Verma Chief Sub-Editor Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg... Read More

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First Published: September 10, 2026, 22:26 IST

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